Kelty shock Hibs – Scottish League Cup round-up
The Scottish League Cup is always a thrilling competition, with teams from all divisions battling it out for a chance to lift the trophy. And this year’s tournament has already thrown up some shock results, with Kelty Hearts, a League 1 side, stunning Hibernian, a Premiership team, 1-0 in Group C.
The game was played at New Central Park, Kelty’s home ground, and it was a real David vs Goliath affair. Kelty were the underdogs, but they played with heart and determination, and they were rewarded with a deserved victory. The winning goal came in the 58th minute, when Callum Flatman, formerly of Hearts, nodded high into the net from a Scott Allan delivery.
The result is a massive upset for Hibs, who were looking to make a strong start to the competition under new head coach David Gray. But this is a sign of the unpredictability of the Scottish League Cup, with teams from lower divisions always capable of pulling off a surprise.
The victory for Kelty is a big boost for the club, which was formed in 2019 and has already made a rapid rise through the Scottish league system. They are now two points behind Hibs in Group C, and they will be looking to build on their momentum and push for a place in the knockout stages.
The other matches in Group C were also full of excitement, with Peterhead beating Elgin City 4-2 in a dramatic encounter. Peterhead took the lead through a Ben Armour goal, but Elgin City came back to lead 2-1 thanks to strikes from Jack Murray and Dajon Golding. Peterhead, however, were not finished yet, and they equalised through Caleb Goldie before Jason Brown scored twice to secure the victory.
- Kelty Hearts, a League 1 side, shocked Hibernian, a Premiership team, with a 1-0 victory in the Scottish League Cup.
- The unpredictability of the Scottish League Cup was evident as lower division teams like Kelty Hearts proved capable of pulling off surprises against higher-ranked opponents.
- Kelty Hearts’ rapid rise since their formation in 2019 was highlighted by their victory over Hibernian, positioning them just two points behind in Group C and aiming for a spot in the knockout stages.
- Other exciting matches in the Scottish League Cup included Peterhead’s dramatic 4-2 win over Elgin City and Aberdeen’s dominant 4-0 victory against East Kilbride under new head coach Jimmy Thelin.
More shocks and surprises in the Scottish League Cup
The other groups in the Scottish League Cup also provided plenty of drama and excitement. Aberdeen made it two wins out of two under new head coach Jimmy Thelin, scoring four without reply away to East Kilbride. The Dons were dominant throughout the game, with Nicky Devlin, Jamie McGrath, Leighton Clarkson and Shayden Morris all getting on the scoresheet.
Dundee United also enjoyed a comfortable victory, defeating Ayr United 2-1 at Tannadice. Brandon Forbes scored a magnificent free-kick to secure the win for United, who had to work hard to see off a stubborn Ayr side.
Motherwell, Ross County, St Johnstone, Airdrieonians, Alloa Athletic, Annan Athletic, Falkirk, Hamilton Academical, Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Livingston, Partick Thistle and Peterhead all secured victories in their respective matches.
These results show that the Scottish League Cup is a truly unpredictable competition, with teams from all divisions capable of causing upsets. The competition is also a great opportunity for the smaller clubs to gain valuable experience and test themselves against the top teams in the country.
Group A
The highlight of Group A was the dramatic encounter between Airdrieonians and Dumbarton. Dumbarton looked to be cruising to victory after going 3-1 ahead, but Airdrieonians fought back to win 4-3. James Hilton scored twice for Dumbarton, but Airdrieonians turned the game around thanks to goals from Lewis McGrattan, Rhys Armstrong, Terrell Agyemang and Ben Wilson.
Aberdeen also won their match against East Kilbride, but they had to work harder than expected to secure the victory. Nicky Devlin and Jamie McGrath scored in the first half to put Aberdeen in control, but East Kilbride pulled a goal back in the second half. Leighton Clarkson and Shayden Morris then added two more goals for Aberdeen to seal the win.
Airdrieonians are now top of Group A, ahead of Aberdeen on goal difference. The two teams will meet later in the group stage, and the winner of that match will likely top the group.
Group B
Dundee United had to work hard to see off Ayr United at Tannadice in the evening kick-off, with a tight contest settled by a magnificent Brandon Forbes free-kick. David Babunski had given Jim Goodwin’s side the lead, only for Marco Rus to level in the second half.
Falkirk also enjoyed a comfortable victory, defeating Buckie Thistle 4-1 at home. Aidan Nesbitt scored twice, while Sean Mackie and Ryan Shanley also found the net for Falkirk. Buckie Thistle pulled a goal back through Andrew MacAskill, but it was too little too late.
Falkirk are now top of Group B, with Dundee United in second place. The two teams will meet in the final round of group matches, and the winner of that match will likely top the group.
Group C
Kelty Hearts’ shock victory over Hibernian was the main talking point in Group C. The result is a big boost for Kelty, who are now two points behind Hibs in the group. The two teams will meet again in the final round of group matches, and the winner of that match will likely top the group.
Peterhead also secured a vital victory, defeating Elgin City 4-2 in a dramatic encounter. Peterhead took the lead through a Ben Armour goal, but Elgin City came back to lead 2-1 thanks to strikes from Jack Murray and Dajon Golding. Peterhead, however, were not finished yet, and they equalised through Caleb Goldie before Jason Brown scored twice to secure the victory.
Peterhead are now in third place in Group C, with Elgin City in fourth place. The two teams will meet again in the final round of group matches, and the winner of that match will likely secure a place in the knockout stages.
Group D
Annan Athletic continued their impressive start to the competition with a 3-0 victory over Arbroath. Tommy Goss headed Annan in front away to Arbroath, and the hosts had Scott Stewart sent off for violent conduct before half-time. Josh Dixon and Josh Todd added second-half goals for the visitors.
Inverness also won 3-0, with Adam Brooks, Keith Bray and Luis Longstaff all netting for Duncan Ferguson’s side in the first half.
Leaders Annan are a point in front of Dundee and four ahead of Inverness. The three teams are still in contention to top the group.
Group E
Livingston secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Forfar Athletic, thanks to a goal from Robbie Muirhead after 11 minutes. The result means Livingston are now in first place in Group E, with Forfar Athletic in second place. The two teams will meet again in the final round of group matches, and the winner of that match will likely top the group.
Cove Rangers and Forfar Athletic were tied 1-1 after 90 minutes, with Connor Scully cancelling out Blair Malcolm’s opener for Forfar. Forfar prevailed 3-1 on penalties. Both Forfar and Livi have six points, three more than third-placed Spartans and Dunfermline Athletic.
Group F
St Johnstone enjoyed a comfortable 2-0 victory over Morton in Perth. Benjamin Mbunga Kimpioka struck twice in the first half to give St Johnstone a comfortable win. The result means St Johnstone are now top of Group F, with Alloa Athletic in second place. The two teams will meet in the final round of group matches, and the winner of that match will likely top the group.
Alloa Athletic also secured a victory, defeating Stenhousemuir 3-1 at Glebe Park. Scott Taggart’s early penalty and second-half goals from Kevin Cawley and Luke Rankin gave Alloa a 3-0 lead. Marc Scott’s late consolation meant that Alloa were comfortable winners.
Alloa trail leaders Saints by a point.
Group G
Motherwell secured a 3-1 victory over Clyde, thanks to goals from Moses Ebiye, Lennon Miller and Filip Stuparevic. Clyde briefly levelled the score through Lee Hamilton but ultimately Motherwell were too strong.
Partick Thistle are second on six points after a 6-0 win away to Edinburgh City. Scott Robinson, Brian Graham, Harry Milne, Ricco Diack, Wasiri Williams and Kyle Turner all scored in the second half.
Motherwell are now top of Group G, with Partick Thistle in second place. The two teams will meet in the final round of group matches, and the winner of that match will likely top the group.
Group H
Ross County defeated Raith Rovers 2-1 in a closely contested match at Dingwall. Jordan White headed County in front before the break, but Callum Smith brought Raith Rovers level soon after the interval. George Harmon settled the match with three minutes left.
At Stair Park, Hamilton took the lead through Steven Bradley, an advantage that was added to by Kyle MacDonald and Euan Henderson in the second half. Hamilton are two points off the top two.
Raith still lead County on goal difference at the top of the section. The two teams will meet in the final round of group matches, and the winner of that match will likely top the group.
The Scottish League Cup is a truly unpredictable competition, with teams from all divisions capable of causing upsets. The competition is also a great opportunity for the smaller clubs to gain valuable experience and test themselves against the top teams in the country.
